The seed has been planted and in a few years, Cobar will welcome another homegrown pharmacist.
School leaver Amara Bottom has begun studying pharmacy this week at the University of New England, in her first steps towards a career in healthcare.
Amara joins Cobar’s own Shannon Arnold (nee Eves), who completed her pharmacy degree in 2015.
Shannon studied full time at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane and now works part time at the pharmacy, along with another work role at TAFE and she also juggles a young family.
Unlike Shannon’s on-campus pathway, Amara will complete her qualifications through distance education.
Enrolled in an online pharmacy degree with the University of New England, Amara will study remotely while remaining in Cobar.
However, her four-year course will still require travel to the Armidale campus for intensive study blocks in chemistry and human physiology.
The degree will also include practical placements in community pharmacies, hospitals and other rural pharmacy settings.
“I chose distance education so I can actually work while studying,” Amara said.
“It gives me employment and experience.”
Amara will undertake four units per term, which will mean 15-16 hours per week of study on top of her working day.
“It’s more affordable and I’m going to be able to learn more if I’m hands-on here, in a place where I’m already comfortable working.”
Amara first completed work experience at The John Mitchell Pharmacy two years ago.
“After that, I was offered a job here — and I haven’t looked back,” she said.
She says working in a country pharmacy has confirmed her passion for rural healthcare.
“I get to work with regulars, like you would see regulars at say a café, you get to know them.
“I get to see the same people, get their medications, have a chat with them, build a rapport and earn their trust.
“That’s just easier to do in a community pharmacy, whereas if you were in a metropolitan pharmacy, you’d see a lot of different people each day.”
Amara plans to come back to Cobar and work once she if fully qualified.
Shannon’s advice to Amara is to “try everything related to pharmacy”.
“Work in different fields of pharmacy to find what you like/don’t like, work in different areas of Australia.
“It’s a massive area in healthcare and pharmacists can make a difference in any role they’re in while they are helping people,” Shannon said.
